EPA failing to live up to its own expectations

June 15, 2013

It is poetic justice, in a way: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, so fond of demanding that other people clean up the environment, isn't very good at doing the job itself.

According to the EPA inspector general, "deplorable conditions" were found at a 70,000-square-foot warehouse the agency rents in Landover, Md.

Rodent feces, mold and other contaminants were found at the facility. In addition, the inspector general learned a contractor's employees were loafing on the job. A report added no one from the EPA had visited the warehouse.

EPA officials said they have fired the contractor and are reviewing use of warehouses.

That wouldn't work for a private company in trouble with the EPA. In all likelihood, fines would be levied. But this is the government, as we all know, where the reaction to misbehavior and mismanagement usually is no more than a promise it won't happen again.